A coin-operated laundromat can be a lucrative investment and a fun community business. Laundromats have a reputation for being dingy, boring places but are becoming more modern. Some laundromats have snack bars, televisions and video games, making them a cool place to hang out while getting a tedious chore finished. Coin-operated laundromats are also easier to finance through a bank or seller because they have proven track records.

1. Find a laundromat to purchase. This is the easiest route to owning your own laundromat. If you can locate an existing and operating laundromat, you can spend your investment capital on renovations and marketing rather than on equipment.

2. Find a location for a new laundromat. Placing a laundromat in a well-traveled area, such as a downtown location near restaurants and other stores, is a good way to attract customers and give them something to do while they are doing their laundry.

3. Contact your local zoning commission before installing new laundry equipment in the building. You may be subject to fire codes and other zoning laws that regulate how many people you have in a building at one time or how many machines you can have.

4. Apply for a business license from your local municipality. Most businesses need at least a basic license to operate. If you will be selling food, you will need more extensive licensing than if you are just providing the machines.

5. Design your laundromat. If you are not purchasing an existing laundromat, you must go over your floor plan and determine where to put the washers and dryers. It's important that your customers are not bumping into each other trying to get to the machines. Make sure the pathways are wide and easy to navigate.

6. Install your new laundry equipment. Whether you purchase your equipment new or used, you should hire someone to help you install it properly, such as an electrician or gas technician.

7. Hire someone to work at the counter or operate the laundromat yourself, including keeping the place clean. The person who works in the laundromat should be friendly and helpful, able to operate all of the machinery and troubleshoot problems as necessary. If you are offering laundry services, such as drop-off services, this person will be in charge of that as well. In addition, you can sell soap and other laundry items from the counter.

8. Determine your hours. Most laundromats are open at least between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. to accommodate different types of schedules. However, some are open 24 hours a day. If you intend to own an unattended laundry this is ideal. However, you must make everything automated, including having a change machine on the premises.

9. Empty the machines of coins. Some machines now work on a card system, so this is easier, but older machines are coin-operated and will need to be emptied. Make sure you count the coins separately from each type of machine to see which ones are the most popular. Check and refill your change machines often. When someone can't make change, they may not stay and do their laundry.

About the Author

Michelle Hogan is a writer and the author of 13 books including the 2005 bestselling memoir, "Without a Net: Middle Class and Homeless (With Kids) in America." Hogan studied English at American University and has been writing professionally since 1998. Her work has appeared in "The New York Times," "Redbook," "Family Circle" and many other publications.